The butcher
(Book)

Hillier's prose is unadorned, but, as she ably proved in her debut (Creep, 2011), she has a fine knack for creating hideous killers. This time she turns the formula whodunit on its head. The prologue sets the scene: in 1985, the Beacon Hill Butcher, whose signature was to remove the left hand of his young female victims, was shot to death by police under the command of Captain Edward Shank. The incident made Shank a hero and propelled him into a lengthy term as chief of police. Skip ahead 30 years. Shank, now a dapper, alert 80, still lauded for his role in the Butcher case, is about to move to a retirement home. He's anxious, yet almost gleeful, about starting a new chapter in his life which he begins by killing his wife. For years Chief has fooled everyone, including his son, Matt, and Matt's girlfriend, Sam, who is convinced there's more to know about the Butcher. As it turns out, the coldly rational, sadistic Shank has plans for his new life that are apt to prove Sam right. A tense, suspenseful, thoroughly creepy thriller.--Zvirin, Stephanie Copyright 2010 Booklist

Hillier (Freak) squanders an intriguing premise with poor plotting and lackluster characterization in this disappointing psychological thriller. In 1985, Capt. Edward Shank of the Seattle PD made his reputation by apprehending the Beacon Hill Butcher, a serial killer who terrorized the Pacific Northwest. In the present, soon after Shank's grandson, Matthew, discovers highly unsettling evidence regarding the case among the retired police chief's papers, the murders resume. Hillier trots out a series of disturbing crimes-rape, dismemberment, incest, sodomy-but her writing fails to get any horror across. The killer, meanwhile, remains a concept rather than a well-rounded character. Sluggish pacing undermines the suspense, while much of the novel focuses on an entirely predictable love triangle and a subplot about Matthew's reality TV ambitions. Although the high body count and the gore may attract some readers, the story fails to deliver on its initial promise. Agent: Victoria Skurnick, Levine Greenberg. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Family secrets take center stage in this serial killer mystery. Matt Shank is a brilliant young restaurateur, and his girlfriend Sam is a true crime author who is writing a book about the Butcher, a serial killer gunned down years ago. The police chief who killed the Butcher is Matt's grandfather Edward, who's now retired. As Sam draws close to the truth and Matt discovers more than he wanted to know, the Butcher kills again. Hillier's (Creep) latest is well narrated by Dan John Miller, who provides terrific voices for the male characters, particularly Edward. Verdict Since most of the murders take place off the page, this will appeal to listeners who enjoy a little less gore and a little more psychology in their thrillers.-Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Thirty years ago, Seattle Police Capt. Edward Shank put down a serial killer dubbed the Butcher. Edwards bullet ended Rufus Wedges sorry life. But did the killings end?Hilliers (Freak, 2012, etc.) third thriller fairly shudders with tension. Edward is ready to retire to an assisted living facility and give his grandson, Matt, the family home, a beloved Victorian in a posh neighborhood. An up-and-coming chef, Matt has parlayed his successful food-truck business into Adobo, the hottest restaurant in town, and the reality show networks are calling. The only trouble is that his girlfriend, Samantha, cant understand why Matt hasnt invited her to move in, too. After all, theyve been together for three years. Pressuring Matt, though, isnt getting her anywhere, and even their friendwell, really Sams friendJason is a little mystified. Certainly, Matts history of anger management trouble gives Jason pause. While Matt renovates the house and works late, Sam turns back to researching her latest true-crime book. This time, she has a personal investment. Shes convinced that her mother was killed by the notorious Butcher. Bored at the retirement home, Edward has become an invaluable sounding board. Like the Butchers other victims, Sams mother was raped, strangled and left in a shallow grave. Unfortunately for Sams theory, her mother was killed two years after Rufus Wedges death. Meanwhile, Matts contractor has unearthed a crate filled with gruesome artifacts. As Matt investigates the crates contents and Sam questions a mysterious informant, their romance unravels and the body count begins to rise. Hillier sends her reader into a labyrinth of creepy twists and grotesque turns. Theres no escape from the brutal truths exposed.The secrets of the past refuse to keep quiet in this disquieting, taut thriller. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Hillier's prose is unadorned, but, as she ably proved in her debut (Creep, 2011), she has a fine knack for creating hideous killers. This time she turns the formula whodunit on its head. The prologue sets the scene: in 1985, the Beacon Hill Butcher, whose signature was to remove the left hand of his young female victims, was shot to death by police under the command of Captain Edward Shank. The incident made Shank a hero and propelled him into a lengthy term as chief of police. Skip ahead 30 years. Shank, now a dapper, alert 80, still lauded for his role in the Butcher case, is about to move to a retirement home. He's anxious, yet almost gleeful, about starting a new chapter in his life—which he begins by killing his wife. For years "Chief" has fooled everyone, including his son, Matt, and Matt's girlfriend, Sam, who is convinced there's more to know about the Butcher. As it turns out, the coldly rational, sadistic Shank has plans for his new life that are apt to prove Sam right. A tense, suspenseful, thoroughly creepy thriller. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Hillier (Freak) squanders an intriguing premise with poor plotting and lackluster characterization in this disappointing psychological thriller. In 1985, Capt. Edward Shank of the Seattle PD made his reputation by apprehending the Beacon Hill Butcher, a serial killer who terrorized the Pacific Northwest. In the present, soon after Shank's grandson, Matthew, discovers highly unsettling evidence regarding the case among the retired police chief's papers, the murders resume. Hillier trots out a series of disturbing crimes—rape, dismemberment, incest, sodomy—but her writing fails to get any horror across. The killer, meanwhile, remains a concept rather than a well-rounded character. Sluggish pacing undermines the suspense, while much of the novel focuses on an entirely predictable love triangle and a subplot about Matthew's reality TV ambitions. Although the high body count and the gore may attract some readers, the story fails to deliver on its initial promise. Agent: Victoria Skurnick, Levine Greenberg. (July)